The lockdown restrictions are gradually relaxing. Are you excited? Now you can go out and about and start exploring the destinations you love. But is your car ready to travel miles with you? We know it stayed stationary and parked for long. But since you’re going to use it after so many months, make sure it is ready for a swift and smooth long drive once again.
How to make your car ready for long drives post pandemic?
If you care for your vehicle properly, it will run smoothly for miles without any hiccups. But if you’ve neglected the vehicle during this pandemic period, it would have already turned into junk ready to be given away to Streamline Autos providing cash for cars in Wellington. They provide free quotes and pick up of old and damaged cars from your property and tend to give you a good sum in exchange for it. And if you’re taking this car for a drive without checking and following the below-listed tips, then you can face a nasty accident (which again can be very dangerous for you and harmful for your car).
o Check the engine oil level — If it has been months since you last used your car, then probably you don’t even remember its engine oil level or whether or not it’s present in the car. So, isn’t it wise to check this level — and if possible, refill it entirely before heading for a drive?
o The brake, clutch, and transmission fluid — Since your car was without any movement for so long, the brake, clutch, and transmission are probably without any lubrication right now. It’s always wise to check all these parts and lubricate them thoroughly. If you skip this step, you’ll have to face jammed brakes and clutch during your drive.
o The belts, hose, and wires — If your car were parked on the street, it would have been badly affected by rain, water, and even insects and reptiles. It’s natural for the belts and wires in your car’s engine to get damaged because of these factors. And if they are really very old, you shouldn’t at all take your car on the road without checking them properly. There are very high chances of broken or loose belts, hoses and wires which might become a huge issue when you go out to drive after such a long gap.
o Change the coolant —The coolant plays a very important role in regulating the heat and temperature of your car and its different parts. But imagine if the coolant has not been changed for a while, you’ll find a lot of debris collected in it which obviously won’t let it perform its task properly. The result is an overheated car in the middle of the road. You definitely don’t want to face such a situation on your first ride after the lockdown. So, for better results, change the coolant before you drive the vehicle.
o The inflation of the tyres — The proper balance and drive of your car depends upon the wheels. If you are taking out the car after such a long time, probably all the four or perhaps two of the tyres already would be punctured. If not, the inflation level would be really low. It is always better and advisable to check all these and inflate them properly before setting off on the road.
o Cleaning the vehicle — The next step to keep in mind before you start the car is cleaning it thoroughly. After you have checked each and every part of the vehicle –from engine to its seats and even the steering and brake — you should not delay in washing the car, as well as applying car wax from the outside. And for the interiors, you can always wipe it with a soft cloth to ensure that you are not riding in a dirty car without sanitisation.
For now, your car is totally ready to take you for a long or short drive. But remember to check if you have got all the important papers in it and even your first-aid box so that you don’t have to face any issues while you are on the road. Here’s wishing you a happy normal life once again!